Bahrain Islamic Bank and INJAZ Bahrain launched the BisB Next-Gen Islamic Investment Innovation Product Hackathon. This collaborative initiative aims to engage students in the development of new financial solutions within the Kingdom of Bahrain. The hackathon provides a platform for participants to conceptualize and design products that align with Islamic finance principles. Organizers intend for the event to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application in the local banking sector. Students involved in the program will work on projects focused on investment innovation, reflecting the shared objectives of both Bahrain Islamic Bank and INJAZ Bahrain in supporting youth development. The launch marks the start of a structured process for teams to refine their ideas under the guidance of industry professionals.
Focus on Sharia-Compliant Innovation
Participants in the hackathon are required to develop an Islamic investment product that adheres to Sharia-compliant principles while simultaneously incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. This dual focus mandates that student teams integrate ethical frameworks into their financial models to ensure the resulting products meet both religious guidelines and modern sustainability standards.
Ms. Fatema AlAlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Islamic Bank, stated, "We believe that advancing Islamic banking begins with investing in knowledge and creating opportunities for young people to contribute their ideas to shaping its future. Through this hackathon, in partnership with INJAZ Bahrain, we are providing university students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned to develop innovative investment products that combine Sharia compliance with practical value for customers. By linking this initiative to our Fourth Islamic Banking Transactions Awareness Forum, we aim to move beyond raising awareness of Islamic banking concepts towards actively contributing to the development of its solutions, while supporting promising talent through cash prizes and internship opportunities at the Bank."
Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain, noted, "We are proud of our partnership with Bahrain Islamic Bank, which provides young people with practical opportunities to discover and develop their capabilities. This hackathon offers students an experience that combines creative thinking, teamwork, and the application of knowledge to real-world challenges in the banking sector. It will help strengthen their confidence in their ideas, enhance their ability to develop practical solutions, and contribute to preparing them for the job market."
Winners of the competition will receive cash prizes as well as internship opportunities at Bahrain Islamic Bank. These incentives are intended to provide participants with professional experience and financial recognition for their work on investment innovation.
The organizers will announce the hackathon winners on Sunday, 18 October 2026. This announcement is scheduled to take place during the Fourth Islamic Banking Transactions Awareness Forum.
